Interviews and Analysis

Epidemiologists conduct telephone interviews with all persons
who have been diagnosed with one of the reportable foodborne
diseases. These interviews include questions about symptoms,
food consumption, and contact with water, animals, and children.
The information from these reports and interviews enables epidemiologists
to:

Describe the epidemiology of new and emerging bacterial,
parasitic, and viral foodborne pathogens.

Estimate the frequency and severity of foodborne diseases
that occur in Minnesota each year.

Determine how much foodborne illness results from eating
specific foods, such as meat, poultry, and eggs.

The project consists of active surveillance for foodborne
diseases and related epidemiologic studies designed to help
public health officials better understand the epidemiology
of foodborne diseases in the United States.

Spotlight

Waterborne Illness
Waterborne illness is caused by recreational or drinking water contaminated by disease-causing microbes or pathogens. Of note, many waterborne pathogens can also be acquired by consuming contaminated food or beverages, from contact with animals or their environment, or through person-to-person spread.

Hand Hygiene: Wash Your Hands!
Hand hygiene is a term used to cover both hand washing using soap and water, and cleaning hands with waterless or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Protect others if you are experiencing diarrhea!
Anyone with a diarrheal illness should avoid swimming in public pools or lakes, sharing baths with others, and preparing food for others.
Young children (children in diapers) that are experiencing diarrhea should not be allowed to go swimming or attend daycare.